2020 Rear Pad Replacement

Jasoned · September 8, 2021

Hey guys. Looking for a little bit of information as I have been unable to find anything definitive through my many searches. I have a 2020 1/2 ton and I am replacing the rear brake pads and wondering if it’s possible to do myself. I’ve always replaced my own pads yet with the electronic parking brake there seems to be an issue, GM says I need a scan tool to release the caliper piston and I’m just wondering if there’s another way around this. Tia

Edited September 10, 2021 by Jasoned

Jasoned · September 10, 2021

Any help? Thanks

TxTruckMan · September 14, 2021

Sorry. Can’t answer your question. But wondering why your changing brakes pads in a year old truck?

Jasoned · September 15, 2021

Because rear brakes are garbage on these trucks, completely worn out after 19,000 km. If you read up on it it’s a very common issue, both sides are worn evenly left to right.
I did finally find an article on how to do this the EPB needs to be removed with the battery disconnected and then you are able to manually back the piston stop out and then compress the piston. A few extra steps but it is doable only problem is the brake wear monitor needs to be reset with a scan tool, total money grab for GM.

kodiakdenali · September 16, 2021

Wow. I didn't realize it was such a pain.

The wear indicator can't be reset by the owner? It can be turned off completely, for years I used a portable wear indicator called flashlight always worked great!

My truck has around 10,000km...rear brake pads are at 96%. are you sure your brakes are in proper working order?

TxTruckMan · September 16, 2021

I've never had a truck need new brakes prior to 100k miles. I'd bring it to the dealer for warranty if you think the pads are worn that quickly.

There was a comment I read in a thread where the brake wear indicator screen was incorrect and had to be updated. Maybe that's the problem?

Gangly · September 17, 2021

On 9/14/2021 at 8:39 PM, Jasoned said:

Because rear brakes are garbage on these trucks, completely worn out after 19,000 km. If you read up on it it’s a very common issue, both sides are worn evenly left to right.
I did finally find an article on how to do this the EPB needs to be removed with the battery disconnected and then you are able to manually back the piston stop out and then compress the piston. A few extra steps but it is doable only problem is the brake wear monitor needs to be reset with a scan tool, total money grab for GM.

Make sure that before you start the battery is disconnected to prevent the brake master cylinder from pressurizing the hydraulic system during its automated self diagnostic tests that can possibly occur when a door is opened or the key transmitter is activated.

On the T1's, the brake wear sensor should be replaced with every brake pad change. The wear percentage can be reset from the driver's interface but it is the parking brake that sometimes needs to be recalibrated and that would need to be done with a scan tool. However, if you dont have a scan tool, a procedure I found online, but have not verified yet, is as follows:

With the ignition ON, apply and hold the brake pedal.
Push and hold the EPB switch down for 5-6 seconds.
Release the EPB switch.
Momentarily push the EPB switch down.
Remove the EPB MODULE fuse and reinstall.
Apply the EPB.
Release the EPB.

For removal of the brake pads:

DO NOT use any air tools to remove or install the guide pin bolts. Use hand tools ONLY.
Install an open end wrench to hold the caliper guide pin in line with the brake caliper while removing or installing caliper guide pin bolt. DO NOT allow the open end wrench to come in contact with the brake caliper. Allowing the open end wrench to come in contact with the brake caliper will cause a pulsation when the brakes are applied.

Edited September 17, 2021 by Gangly

Transient · September 26, 2021

Wow! This may be the first vehicle I own that I won't be replacing the brakes on when it comes time.

lebag335 · September 28, 2021

On 9/26/2021 at 3:23 AM, Transient said:

Wow! This may be the first vehicle I own that I won't be replacing the brakes on when it comes time.

No way I'm doing that either! Unbelievably complicated. Ugh...

Acpantera · September 28, 2021

I don't think it's that big of a deal. With the parking brake off, disconnect the wires to the caliper, remove the EPB motor from the caliper, turn the coupler that the motor meshes with clockwise till it stops, compress the caliper piston and replace the pads. After assembling, pump the brakes up, cycle the EPB a few times and carry on.

Jasoned · September 28, 2021

Acpantera

Well said, adds a minimal amount of time.

Gangly · September 30, 2021

On 9/28/2021 at 3:27 PM, Acpantera said:

I don't think it's that big of a deal. With the parking brake off, disconnect the wires to the caliper, remove the EPB motor from the caliper, turn the coupler that the motor meshes with clockwise till it stops, compress the caliper piston and replace the pads. After assembling, pump the brakes up, cycle the EPB a few times and carry on.

Yup, sounds a lot more in depth than it actually is.

Steve Chevy · February 15, 2025

GM has published technical service bulletin in March 2023 titled “Rapid Rear Brake Pad Wear” (21-NA-089) and it acknowledges the rear brake problem in 2020 - 2021 Chevrolet Silverados and mentions that they are now installing a shield to prevent road grime build up a calipers. Concludes that it’s not a safety issue so no recall, but essentially recommends that customers wash their brakes and it’s customer maintenance? It a new maintenance recommendation, but not included in the service manual! Strange as GM does not spend money on an engineering change if there isn’t a problem. Now you need to replace rotors with every brake job! Could calipers be next!